On April 18 at 6:30pm, Greenwich Hospital will co-host with Friends of Autistic People (FAP) a presentation by Dr. Roger J. Jou. Jou is the medical director at the Center for Translational Developmental Neuroscience at the Yale Child Study Center. He will present on new treatment applications of psychotropic medications and their potential side effects.

Individuals living with autism are at increased risk for mental health conditions. Given the shortage of prescribers and other professionals specialized in treating mental health conditions in individuals living with autism, the aforementioned process is at risk for breakdown. This presentation addresses these various challenges by providing an overview on psychotropic medications followed by principles and practices for use in this special population. New treatment strategies are also presented, including experimental approaches targeting core social and communication vulnerabilities.

FAP is a local volunteer-based nonprofit advocacy organization. The organization recently added to its mission a project of developing a community homestead farm for adults with autism. Currently in the fundraising stage, Jou’s lecture at the hospital is intended to educate the public and to raise awareness about the project. At the Farm Academy, adult children over 21 with autism will live, enjoy nature-based education and learn a variety of skills—such as self-help, arts, crafts, food preparation, animal care and academic skills.

For more information, visit AutisticAdults.net, view tinyurl.com/FAPFarm, or shop through tinyurl.com/FAPSmile. Location: Noble Conference Center, Greenwich Hospital,5 Perryridge Rd, Greenwich.